VISA OVERVIEW The Philippine Embassy issues visas to foreign nationals wishing to visit the Philippines. Visa applications must be submitted by mail only. Former Filipinos and their immediate family members can avail themselves of the Balikbayan visa-free privilege and stay in the Philippines for up to one year without a visa. GENERAL INFORMATION A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the Philippines generally must first obtain a Philippine visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport. Certain international travelers may be eligible to travel to the Philippines without a visa if they meet the requirements for visa-free travel. The Embassy is unable to guarantee the approval and issuance of visas before the flight schedule. Please do not finalize travel itineraries until after receipt of visas. For the latest travel and entry guidelines, please visit this page. PHILIPPINE VISA POLICY Check if you have a 30-day visa free entry to the Philippines by typing the country that issued your passport. Check for 30-Day Visa Free Entry to the Philippines BALIKBAYAN VISA-FREE PRIVILEGE If you are a former Filipino who is now a naturalized citizen of a visa-free country (under Executive Order 408), you can avail yourself of the Balikbayan Visa-Free Privilege and stay in the Philippines visa-free for a period of one year from the date of arrival in the Philippines. Your family members (spouse and children) with foreign passports can also enjoy this privilege if they enter the Philippines with you and present proof of filiation to the immigration officer. The following documents need to be presented to the immigration officer upon arrival: Former Filipino Citizens: Philippine Birth Certificate or old Philippine Passport. Dual Citizens Using a Foreign Passport: Dual Citizenship Identification Certificate Foreign Spouse: Marriage certificate as proof of relationship. Children: Birth certificate as proof of relationship. Note: Passports must be valid for at least six months upon arrival in the Philippines. If you are a former Filipino who is a naturalized citizen of a visa-required country, you must secure a visa before traveling to the Philippines. NON-IMMIGRANT VISA The Philippine Embassy issues visas to foreign nationals wishing to visit the Philippines for non-immigrant purposes such as sightseeing, sports, health, family reasons, training or study (excluding enrollment in schools for the purpose of obtaining a title or degree), religious pilgrimage, business, cultural and scientific purposes.  Please note that the visa issued is not a guarantee that the holder will be automatically admitted to the country. The admission of foreign nationals into the Philippines is a function of the immigration authorities at the port of entry.  Complete your required documents before submitting your application. Visa applications should be mailed to: Embassy of the PhilippinesVisa Unit1617 Massachusetts Ave NWWashington, DC 20036 9(A) Temporary Visitor’s Visa (Pleasure and Business) Non-Immigrant Visa Application Form: Signed and notarized Passport: Original and one photocopy of the data page, valid for at least six months upon entry. Flight Ticket: Roundtrip or onward ticket out of the Philippines with a departure date within 59 days (for visa-free nationals) or 30 days (for non-visa-free nationals) of arrival.   Photo: One recent 2” x 2” color photo (taken within the last six months) Proof of Financial Capacity: Recent bank statement, employment certificate, or income tax return. Return Envelope: Self-addressed, stamped envelope with a tracking number (use USPS Priority Mail; do not use metered stamps, P.O. Box, or FedEx). Visa Fee: USD 30 for visa-free nationals, USD 25 for Chinese nationals, USD 40 for non-visa-free nationals. Payable by money order to “Embassy of the Philippines.” No cash or personal checks. 9(A)-6 Foreign Media Visa and Accreditation Foreign journalists must have a visa and approved media accreditation to visit. Once all application documents are submitted, the Embassy will endorse them to the International Press Center via the Department of Foreign Affairs. To obtain IPC media accreditation and visa clearance, the following documents are required: Non-Immigrant Visa Application Form: Signed and notarized Passport: Original and one photocopy of the data page, valid for at least six months upon entry. Photo: One recent 2” x 2” color photo (taken within the last six months) Travel Itinerary: Proof of ticket reservation Employment Certificate: Certificate or contract from a media company. Equipment List: Certified list of equipment that will be re-exported after the trip. Hotel Accommodation: Proof of hotel booking. Visa Fee: USD 30.00 (non-refundable), payable by money order to “Embassy of the Philippines.” No cash or personal checks. IPC Accreditation Requirements for Media and Documentary Group: List of Requirements for Visiting Media International Press Center (IPC) Accreditation Form Health Declaration Form Consolidated Crew List Completed requirements are to be sent to intlpresscenter@gmail.com. 9(C) Seaman Passport: Valid for at least six months after the return date, plus one photocopy of the data page. Seaman’s Book: Original document. Visa Application Form: Completed, typed or printed in black or blue ink, and notarized by a notary public. Travel Itinerary: Provide a detailed itinerary. Photo: One recent 2” x 2” color photo (taken within the last six months). Letter from Shipping Company: A formal letter from your employer. Crew List: Include the list of crew members. Return Envelope: Self-addressed, stamped envelope with a tracking number (use USPS Priority Mail; do not use metered stamps, P.O. Box, or FedEx). Visa Fee: $20, non-refundable, payable by money order to “Embassy of the Philippines.” No cash or personal checks accepted. For inquiries regarding this visa category, please email to visa@phembassy-us.org. 9(D) Treaty Traders For inquiries regarding the 9(D) Treaty Traders Visa, please contact the Philippine Trade and Investment Center at washington@dti.gov.ph. 9(E) Foreign Government Official Holders of diplomatic and official US passports and/or UN Laissez Passer accredited in the United States who will be traveling to the Philippines on official business will need to apply for a visa. 9(E) visas are divided into three types: 9(E-1)– for persons enjoying diplomatic immunities and privileges, including their immediate family members 9(E-2)– for other FGOs who will go to the Philippines in connection with official business for his government; official students or … Continue reading Visa